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What Is BJJ

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art focusing largely on
grappling and ground fighting. It utilizes natural body leverage and
proper technique to obtain dominant control on the ground and, as a
result, provides greater position for striking or submission holds. BJJ has been proven, when used properly, to be an effective method
for dealing with bigger and stronger opponents and has become
increasingly popular due in part to its great success in the Ultimate
Fighting Championship. It can be trained for self defense, sport
grappling (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts competition and has
found its way into the training regiment of nearly every successful
martial artist worldwide.

Translated
as “the gentle art,” Brazilian jiu-jitsu focuses on using strength and
technique in the most efficient way possible to control and overcome
opponents of greater size, strength and aggression. With its roots in
the Japanese jiu-jitsu of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the
art found its way to Brazil in 1910, when Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese
jiu-jitsu and judo expert, emigrated to the country. There he became
friends with Gastao Gracie, an influential businessman who helped Maeda
get established. In return, Maeda taught jiu-jitsu to Gracie’s sons, who
became very proficient in the art, eventually passing on Maeda’s
teaching in their own schools. The many additions, modifications, and
refinements to the art made by the Gracie family were tested against
other styles with great success, propelling Gracie jiu-jitsu into the
martial arts world and creating a tradition that lives on today. Click Here To Read More